By KATE STONE

Niles Daily Star

The Save A Stray organization is hosting a fundraiser and awareness campaign called Ride for Rescues today from 3 to 6 p.m. in Riverfront Park.

The event, sponsored by McDaniels Harley Davidson, is the organization’s first “poker run.” This means that participants will visit five locations or checkpoints, where they will draw one playing card. The goal is to have the best poker hand at the end of the run.

The idea came from two Niles residents, Alex Caban and  Becky Garwood, who volunteer with the lost and found and assist the dog coordinator. Caban is also the organization’s president.

The poker run will be from 3:30 to 5:30 p.m. The winner will take home a $150 gift certificate to McDaniels Harley Davidson.

Cost to enter the poker run is $15 per person and it includes an all-you-can-eat meal. Others can pay $15 for all-you-can-eat food and a ride on a Harley motorcycle. It is $5 to just purchase food, which also includes chips and water. However, there is no admission fee to shop around and meet the animals.

Caban, a former cook, is preparing pulled barbecue, chicken and brats, and a limited vegetarian option of grilled eggplant for the event.

Tastefully Simple will also be in attendance with representative Jackie Haney giving everyone the opportunity to stock up on their favorite foods. She is donating 95 percent of the profits to Save A Stray. Those who are unable to attend the fundraiser but still wish to purchase items from Tastefully Simple may contact Jackie at (269) 697-7777 or jacksongoblue@aol.com to place an order. Be sure to specify that it is for Save A Stray.

Many of the foster dogs who are available for adoption will at the event . There will also be pet merchandise and Save A Stray logo T-shirts for sale at the event. Cheryl Pettke, a designer from Buchanan, will be selling her hand-designed jewelry.

Save A Stray is a non-profit organization, staffed solely by volunteers who are dedicated to helping cats and dogs find loving and lasting homes. The organization is funded by donations, membership fees, fundraisers and an occasional grant. It utilizes foster homes to house the cats and dogs until they are able to find a permanent home for them.

“We provide vet care for the rescues,” Caban said. “We also implant microchips into the animals as well as spay and neuter them.”

All proceeds from Ride for Rescues will be donated to Save A Stray. For more information on the Ride for Rescues or the Save A Stray organization, call (269) 930-0871 or visit www.save-a-stray.org.